(X) Policy

November 9, 2009

To: Sponsors of the CACFP At-Risk Meals and Snacks Program

Re: Sharing Tables

The Oregon Department of Education Child Nutrition Programs recently received guidance from USDA concerning sharing tables.

Effective immediately, Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) At-Risk Meals and Snacks Program sponsors will follow their local health department policy concerning what happens to the food left on the sharing table that is not consumed by participants.

UDSA guidance (FNS 786-6) provides a policy on recycled milk and other meal components. This policy states: this Instruction sets forth the policy concerning recycling of milk and other meal components. To avoid food waste, served milk that is unopened and retrieved for reservice, or the reservice of other items as a component of another reimbursed meal, is permitted if such practice is not contrary to applicable State and local health codes. This policy is based on the regulatory provision that Federal reimbursement is provided to the participating school food authority, institution or sponsor for each meal served to participants, which meets the meal pattern requirements in Sections 210.10, 220.8, 225.16, and 226.20 of the Department's regulations.

This policy continues with guidance that if the practice is extensive then appropriate measures should be taken to increase consumption through proper and appealing service, nutrition education and other means.

Before recycling milk and other meal components, sponsors are responsible for contacting their local health department concerning policies regarding re-use of foods left on the sharing table.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact your assigned Child Nutrition Specialist or me at (503) 947-5892.

Sincerely,

Lynne Reinoso
Manager, Community Nutrition
Child Nutrition Programs
Office of the Superintendent